The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to making the Sokoto State Hajj Airport fully operational ahead of the 2026 Hajj exercise.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Sokoto.
Keyamo highlighted the strategic importance of Sokoto as a key hub for Hajj operations, stressing that all relevant aviation agencies would be mobilised to ensure the airport meets operational standards in time for the pilgrimage.
He directed key officials, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the Managing Directors of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, to urgently identify and resolve any bottlenecks hindering the project’s completion.
Earlier, Governor Aliyu commended the Federal Government for its support, revealing that the airport fully funded by the Sokoto State Government is about 90 per cent complete.
He also disclosed that arrangements had been finalised for the acquisition of five aircraft, expected within the next two to three weeks, to support the commencement of operations.
The governor appealed for expedited approvals to enable the airport to airlift Sokoto pilgrims directly for the 2026 Hajj.
The Federal Government said the move aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at strengthening aviation infrastructure nationwide.
